Canadian Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the frequencies of ocular dominance amongst the Okrikas and Ikwerres of Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 1000 questionnaires were used, out of which 534 questionnaires were administered to the Okrikas and 466 to the Ikwerres, cutting across all age groups. 92.2% of the subjects used in this study were right-eye dominant, 5.5% were left-eye dominant with only 2.3% using both eyes. 89.7% and 95.1% of Okrikas and Ikwerres respectively were found to be right-eye dominant, while 7.1% and 3.6% of Okrikas and Ikwerres respectively were found to be left-eye dominant. The study also shows that 3.2% of Okrikas use both eyes as against 1.3% of the Ikwerres (equidominant). Most people switch eye preference depending upon the task being carried out, while some do not change their eye preference no matter the task they perform. Majority of the people preferred eye corresponds with their preferred hand, while some change their preferred eye and hand from time to time. In some cases the dominant eye did not match the dominant hand and the eye-hand preference is also influenced by handedness. This study is important as it has provided the necessary data for the Nigerian populations under investigation. The data is recommended to Ophthalmologists, medical practitioners, physical anthropologists, and forensic scientists.